Major Blow to Uddhav Thackeray Camp as Six Lok Sabha MPs Join Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena

Brief By Newsbrief / 7:20 PM on 22 Jun 2026

Maharashtra witnessed a major political development on Monday as six of the nine Lok Sabha MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) formally joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, ending days of speculation. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde welcomed the MPs, saying, "Six tigers have joined us today." The leaders who switched sides include Omraje Nimbalkar (Dharashiv), Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai North-East), Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani), Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim), Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Hingoli), and Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi). The move is being seen as a significant setback for Uddhav Thackeray's faction.

Speaking after the induction, Shinde said that the first phase of the party's struggle was to protect the Shiv Sena and its election symbol, the "Bow and Arrow," and that the second phase has now begun. He asserted that all six MPs have joined the "real Shiv Sena family" and reaffirmed that his faction represents the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. Political observers believe the latest defections have further strengthened Shinde's position within Maharashtra politics and could reshape the state's political landscape ahead of future elections.

The development also carries major legal significance. Under India's anti-defection law, at least two-thirds of a legislature party's members must support a split or merger to avoid disqualification. With six out of nine Lok Sabha MPs joining the Shinde camp, the required two-thirds threshold has been met. As a result, all six MPs are expected to retain their Lok Sabha membership without facing disqualification. Political analysts believe the move could have a major impact on the balance of power within the Shiv Sena and influence upcoming local body and Assembly elections in Maharashtra.